Audi reveals rapid new RS6 Avant, RS7 Sportback Performance models

Audi's Quattro performance car division has turned up the wick on its RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback, providing the go-fast estate and four-door coupe with an added 33kW and 50Nm in a pair of so-called Performance models set to go on sale year.

The lift in reserves - achieved through changes to the engine management system providing a higher ignition cut out, along with added turbocharger boost pressure - extends the output of the four-wheel drive RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback's twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 direct injection petrol engine to 445kW and 750Nm. This is the same state of tune run by the recently unveiled Audi S8 Plus.

In combination with a revised eight-speed automatic gearbox and detailed upgrades to their chassis, the revised engine is claimed to propel the new RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback Performance models from 0 to 100km/h in a claimed 3.7sec – 0.2sec faster than the time quoted for the standard RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback on sale since early 2013.

Audi also claims the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback Performance accelerate to 200km/h some 1.4sec faster than the standard models at 12.1sec. Top speed is limited to either 250km/h, 280km/h or 305km/h with various optional dynamic packages.

The new Audi RS6 Avant can hit 305km/h with the top optional dynamic package. Photo: Supplied

Despite the increase in reserves and added performance potential, Audi says the combined cycle fuel consumption of its latest RS models remains at the same level as their standard siblings at 9.6l/100km and 9.5L/100km respectively, endowing the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback Performance with CO2 emissions of 223g/km and 221g/km.

Distinguishing the new Audi models are exclusive 21 inches alloy wheels shod with 285/30 profile tyres on the RS6 Avant Performance and 275/30 tyres on the RS7 Sportback Performance.